Frank A. Pagano, retired steamfitter, Army veteran of WWII

Frank A. Pagano, a retired steamfitter, died Sunday at St. John Baptist/Hospice Buffalo Inpatient Unit after a lengthy illness. He was 86.

Born in Buffalo, Mr. Pagano graduated from McKinley Vocational High School. He was in the Army during World War II, serving from 1945 to 1949 as a corporal in the 494th Quartermaster Depot Company.

After his military service, he returned home and worked as a steamfitter.

A longtime member of the United Association, the steamfitters union, Mr. Pagano worked for many years with both Central Piping Corp., where he was a business partner, and Alessi Brothers Plumbing & Heating Co., where he was a foreman.

He retired in the late 1980s.

Mr. Pagano is survived by his wife of 58 years, the former Mary Ellen DelVel; three sons, Frank Jr., Johnny and Jimmy; a daughter, Lisa Flynn; and a sister, Marie Pagano.

A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in Dengler, Roberts, Perna Funeral Home, 3000 Delaware Ave., Kenmore.